Spanish premier calls 5% increase in defense spending 'irrational'

In a letter addressed to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Sanchez refused to commit to 5% increase in defense spending and called it "irrational and counterproductive," according to Spanish news agency EFE.

He suggested a more "flexible" formula for the proposal to be approved at the NATO summit in The Hague next week and supported Spain's exclusion from the 5% target.

Sanchez also noted that reaching the 5% level is "incompatible" with Spain's welfare state and his "worldview," highlighting the "legitimate right" of each government to choose whether or not to make certain "sacrifices."